Quote Originally Posted by Ariovistus
Now yes, I am aware that a spear is not really designed for blocking. But is the blocking ability of a gladius really of decisive value?
No. It really isn't. This isn't to say that a well trained swordsmen couldn't block an opposing blow with a gladius. I think it's certainly possible, if not overly easy or sensible.

The attacker employing the Gladius should seek to disable his foe before blocking ever becomes an issue, hence the often overly-aggressive tactics employed by Roman Commanders.

On another note, it isn't the blocking ability of the spear which makes it useful as a defensive weapon. It is the ability of the spear to keep the opposing attacker from ever coming with swordsreach. Multiply these points by hundreds and the prospects for the swordsmen become daunting.

The only way for the commanders to overcome this was to often use over aggressive tactics which attempted to break up the spear formation to allow the swordsmen to get in close enough to gain weapon superiority.

Bootsiuv